eurekapd Chapter 213 First Encounter
Chapter 213 First Encounter
The imperial palace, blanketed in white snow, resembles a solemn city of ice and snow. The falling snowflakes add a touch of tranquility and melancholy to the entire palace.
The white snow reflected on the red walls symbolizes wealth and glory in the eyes of outsiders, but only those trapped inside know that surviving in the palace is no easier than outside.
After chatting with Yun'er about some family matters in the palace, Yanwan covered her forehead and said she was tired, and asked Chunchan to take her back.
After Chunchan gave Tian Yuner the reward she had prepared early in the morning, she held an umbrella for her and sent her out of the palace.
It is difficult to walk in the snow. If you don't go early, it will be even more difficult at night.
As soon as they stepped out of the door, Tian Yun'er and Chun Chan ran into a group of people. Chun Chan was startled and quickly bowed her head, hiding the people beside her behind her.
"Greetings to the Fifth Prince." Chunchan's voice was clear and respectful.
Standing in front of them was Yongqi, who seemed to have just come out of Yikun Palace.
The confinement of the Yikun Palace Empress was lifted, and as her mother, he always had to go and pay his respects. Yongqi was dressed in a dark blue robe with a black cape, and his posture was upright and his temperament was extraordinary.
He was handsome, his eyes revealing intelligence and composure. His voice was even clearer and more hearty than the sound of falling snow, lifting the heart to the very core of his being.
"Aunt Chunchan, there's no need to be so polite. Is your Majesty here? I've come to pay my respects to your Majesty. The person next to you looks unfamiliar. Is she a new palace maid?"
Yongqi spoke politely, his eyes fixed on the person behind Chunchan. There was a hint of curiosity in his eyes; this woman gave him an unusual feeling.
Chunchan glanced down at Tian Yun'er, her heart slightly tense, then she said with a smile: "In reply to Fifth Prince, this is the daughter of the midwife, Grandma Tian, named Tian Yun'er. She has learned some of Grandma Tian's skills. A few days ago, Concubine Ying was pregnant, and the Queen Mother asked her to come in to help take care of it..."
This explanation had been prepared long ago. Chunchan knew that this encounter was no accident, but rather a meticulous arrangement by Yanwan. She wanted to use Tian Yuner to plant a seed in Yongqi's heart.
"Oh? Since you're here to help Empress Ying with her pregnancy, why don't you just come into the palace?"
Realizing that it was inappropriate to stare at her all the time, Yongqi shifted his gaze away from Tian Yuner and made up an excuse to cover up his embarrassment.
Somehow, the moment he saw this girl, he felt a sense of familiarity. She gave Yongqi a strange feeling, always feeling very familiar. It was clearly the first time they met, but it felt like they had known each other for many years.
An inexplicable feeling surged in Yongqi's heart. He didn't know where this feeling came from, but he couldn't ignore it.
"Fifth Prince is asking you." Seeing that there was a sign of something going on, Chunchan simply turned sideways, completely exposing Tian Yuner behind her.
Chunchan was secretly pleased with herself, knowing that half of her mission was already accomplished. Now it all depended on Tian Yuner's performance.
Without Chunchan's protection, Tian Yun'er felt somewhat bewildered. Her long eyelashes trembled in panic as she whispered, "I'm a humble woman, so I'll just teach folk methods to the maids in the palace. My mother isn't feeling well, so I have to serve her soup..."
Tian Yuner's voice was soft and sweet, like a gentle little hand, gently touching Yongqi's heartstrings. Her eyes revealed a hint of shyness and uneasiness, making people want to protect her.
Hearing that Grandma Tian was not feeling well, Yongqi raised an eyebrow. He knew something about what had happened back then. He knew that Grandma Tian had deliberately spread rumors about the Empress Dowager because her money had been withheld. He also knew that it was his mother who had sent Grandma Tian to the Ministry of Punishment, which had caused her illness.
Yongqi felt a pang of guilt. He knew his mother had gone too far in this matter. But he also understood that in this palace, everyone had their own frustrations and choices.
After Tian Yuner finished speaking, before Yongqi could respond, Chunchan changed the subject.
"It's snowing heavily, Fifth Prince, please go in quickly. I still have to escort Miss Tian out of the palace, otherwise it will get late and the road will be even more difficult to walk on..."
There was a hint of urging in Chunchan's words. She knew that Yongqi and Tian Yuner could not be allowed to stay together for too long, otherwise it would easily arouse other people's suspicion.
Yongqi nodded, turned around and made way for Chunchan to go first. His eyes were fixed on Tian Yuner, and his heart was filled with reluctance to let her go.
Tian Yun'er returned to her quiet demeanor and continued walking closely behind Chunchan. After only a few steps, she couldn't help but look over her shoulder.
Unexpectedly, Yongqi was still standing there watching them leave. When she met his gaze, Tian Yuner suddenly looked away and continued to follow Chunchan out.
Her heart was filled with nervousness and shyness, and she didn't know why she felt this way about this strange man, but she knew that this feeling made her feel scared and uneasy.
Tian Yun'er's heart was beating fast. She felt it pounding wildly in her chest, her cheeks burning and her breathing quickening. She didn't dare look back at Yongqi and could only follow Chunchan closely, hoping to leave this place that made her so anxious as soon as possible.
The same was true for Yongqi. He sat in Yongshou Palace, but for some reason, he kept staring at the ground in a daze and didn't even hear what Yanwan said to him.
Yan Wan looked at Yong Qi's distracted expression, a barely perceptible smile flickering across her eyes. She knew her plan was already halfway successful. Next, she would continue to push things forward, deepening the bond between Yong Qi and Tian Yun Er.
"Yongqi? Yongqi? You kid, why are you in a daze when I'm talking to you?" There was a hint of dissatisfaction and confusion in Yanwan's voice.
Yongqi was awakened by Yan Wan's voice. He quickly came to his senses and said awkwardly, "No, it's my fault. I lost my mind for a moment. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
To mask his embarrassment, Yongqi awkwardly took a gulp of the tea on the table. The tea was scalding hot, and the first sip sent a shiver through his body. He was filled with regret, unsure of why he had lost his composure. He tried to calm himself, but his heart remained stagnant.
Yan Wan looked at Yong Qi, feeling secretly pleased. She knew that Yong Qi had fallen into the trap she had set. Next, she would continue to use Tian Yun'er to make Yong Qi work for her.
"Yongqi, are you worried about something? You might as well tell me and let me give you some advice." Yanwan's voice was gentle and concerned, which made people feel warm in their hearts.
Yongqi quickly shook his head and said, "No, I was just thinking about something and made Your Majesty worried." Yongqi didn't want Yan Wan to know what was on his mind. He knew that in this palace, everyone had their own purpose and calculations.
He cannot trust others easily, and cannot let others know his weaknesses.
Yan Wan smiled slightly and said, "Since you don't want to talk about it, then I won't force you. But you must remember that no matter what happens, you can come to me. I will always support you."
Yanwan's words were full of sincerity and concern, which touched people's hearts.
Yongqi nodded and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will remember this."
After Chunchan and Tian Yun'er emerged from Yongshou Palace, they continued walking outside. The snow continued to fall, forming a thick blanket on the ground.
Chunchan looked at the somewhat nervous Tian Yuner and said with a smile, "Don't be nervous, young lady. This encounter today is also your chance."
Tian Yuner blushed and nodded slightly, not knowing how to respond.
The two walked along the long palace path, their footsteps remarkably clear in the silence. Suddenly, Tian Yuner slipped and was about to fall. Chunchan quickly caught her. "Be careful, this road is very slippery," Chunchan said with concern.
After Tian Yuner stood firm, she looked at Chunchan gratefully and said, "Thank you, Auntie."
Chunchan waved her hand: "You're welcome. Miss, do you know that your Royal Concubine has high hopes for you." Tian Yuner's heart tightened, she naturally understood the meaning of Chunchan's words.
"Aunt, I...I don't know what to do." Tian Yuner said in a low voice.
Chunchan sighed softly, "Miss, this is your chance. If you can win the favor of the Fifth Prince, your future will be different."
Tian Yuner bit her lip and fell into deep thought.
They continued walking, and when they were almost at the palace gate, Tian Yuner stopped.
"Auntie, I'm a little scared."
Her eyes were filled with worry.
Chunchan held her hand and said, "Don't be afraid, young lady. As long as you follow the instructions of Concubine Ling, everything will be fine."
Tian Yuner took a deep breath and nodded. After leaving the palace gate, Tian Yuner looked back at the majestic palace, her heart filled with complicated emotions.
In the Yikun Palace, a hush fell. The newly arrived head aunt, Yurong, quietly waited by Ruyi's side, her eyes filled with worry. Snowflakes drifted softly outside the window, as if uttering a message of endless sorrow.
Yurong looked at Ruyi, who sat by the window with a dejected look on her face, her heart filled with worry. She took a step forward and whispered, "Empress, the Fifth Prince is so worried about you, why don't you want to see him? He respects you deeply, and his filial piety is evident to all. Your Majesty, please see him, so that he can rest assured."
Ruyi raised her eyes slightly, a look of fatigue and helplessness in them. She sighed softly and said, "Yurong, you don't understand. In my current situation, what difference does it make whether I see him or not? Yongqi has his own path to follow, and I don't want him to be dragged into the palace's disputes because of me."
Yurong frowned slightly and said, "Your Majesty, why are you doing this? The Fifth Prince is deeply concerned about you. How heartbroken he must be if you reject him like this. Your Majesty, just for the sake of the Fifth Prince, you should meet him."
Ruyi shook her head and said, "Yurong, you don't understand. People in this palace are treacherous. I don't want Yongqi to be implicated because of me. He is a good child. I just hope he can grow up peacefully, away from the disputes in this palace."
Yurong looked at Ruyi's determined expression, feeling helpless. She knew Ruyi was stubborn and that once she made a decision, it would be difficult to change it. But she couldn't help but feel sorry for Ruyi and Yongqi.
"Your Majesty, the Fifth Prince won't understand if you do this. He only knows that you don't want to see him, and he will think he has done something wrong. Your Majesty, please go see him, even if it's just to say a few words, so that the Fifth Prince can know your feelings." Yurong persuaded again.
Ruyi was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Yurong, I know you're doing this for my own good. But I have my own considerations. Yongqi is still young, and his future is full of infinite possibilities. I can't let him fall into danger because of my momentary weakness. Let him think that I'm still angry with him. Maybe this way he'll work harder to grow and become stronger."
Yurong looked at Ruyi with admiration. She knew Ruyi was doing this for Yongqi's own good, and her good intentions were touching. But she still felt worried about the rift between Ruyi and Yongqi.
"My queen, is it really worth it for you to do this?" Yurong asked softly.
Ruyi smiled slightly and said, "Yurong, nothing is worth it. As long as Yongqi is well, I am willing to do anything. This palace is filled with too much helplessness and sorrow. I just hope Yongqi can stay away from all this and live the life he wants."
Yurong was filled with emotion after hearing Ruyi's words.
"Your Majesty, don't worry, the Fifth Prince will definitely understand your good intentions." Yurong said.
Ruyi nodded slightly, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. She hoped Yongqi would understand her decision and that he could live well in the palace. And she would silently protect him, pray for him, and bless him.
In reality, Ruyi's reasons for not meeting Yongqi weren't solely based on these reasons. Deep down, she had more complex considerations. She knew Yongqi had been frequenting the woman in Yongshou Palace. Ruyi knew all too well what kind of person Yanwan, the head of Yongshou Palace, was.
Ruyi knew Yanwan was a scheming woman who would do anything to achieve her goals, and she was afraid that Yongqi would be deceived by Yanwan and fall into the trap she had carefully woven.
Yongqi is young and naive, and although he possesses exceptional intelligence, he remains naive in the complexities of the palace. Ruyi worries that he will be unable to see Yanwan's true nature and will be deceived by her sweet words.
If Yongqi is really bewitched by Yanwan and becomes alienated from her and her son, that would be the situation that Ruyi least wants to see.
Although she and Yongqi were not biological mother and son, they had developed a deep bond over the years. She always treated Yongqi like her own child, teaching him with care and expecting him to become a responsible and capable prince.
What makes Ruyi even more afraid is that if Yongqi stands on the side of Yongshou Palace, it will bring unpredictable consequences.
In this palace, various forces compete with each other, and the slightest mistake can lead to irretrievable destruction. Ruyi does not want to see Yongqi being dragged into this power struggle and become a pawn of others.
She sat in front of the window of Yiku Palace, looking at the snowflakes falling outside, her heart full of worries.
She didn't know how to stop Yongqi from getting too close to Yanwan, nor how to protect Yongqi from getting hurt. She could only pray silently, hoping that Yongqi could keep a clear mind and not be confused by temporary interests.